London (AFP) – Britain’s incoming prime minister Rishi Sunak vows to bring “stability and unity” at a time of economic crisis, after he was named the Conservative party’s new leader. “The United Kingdom is a great country, but there is no doubt we face a profound economic challenge,” he tells reporters, appearing to rule out an early general election.
Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims Russia had ordered around 2,000 drones from Iran, the same kind that Kyiv says Moscow has been using in its recent attacks against Ukraine. “The disgusting sound of Iranian drones is heard in our skies every night. According to our intelligence, Russia ordered about 2,000 ‘Shaheds’ from Iran,” Zelensky says during a speech at a conference organised by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. It was not immediately clear if Zelensky was referring to Russia’s past purchases or new ones.
Potsdam (Germany) (AFP) – Environmental activists splash mashed potatoes on Claude Monet’s “Haystacks” painting in Museum Barberini in Potsdam, Germany, days after Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” was covered in tomato soup in London.
Taipei (AFP) – People in Taiwan react to the Chinese Communists Party’s new leadership after Xi Jinping secured an unprecedented third term and a sweeping reshuffle of its top ruling body. “I think Xi Jinping is quite determined to have Taiwan under the control of the Chinese government, just like Hong Kong and Macao,” a Taipei resident says.
Copenhagen (AFP) – “This is not a time to relax” says Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Europe regional director, speaking at a press conference on Covid and an “early spike in seasonal influenza cases”.
Conty (France) (AFP) – In the wake of a mini-tornado in France’s Somme region, firefighters clear up debris and rescue residents of Conty.
Berlin (AFP) – German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivers a speech at the opening of an economic forum organised by the German Chamber of Industry and dedicated to “the reconstruction of Ukraine”. “Together with our partners, we will support Ukraine as long as it is necessary,” he says.
London (AFP) – Hundreds of protesters march in London against the assault of a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist at the Chinese consulate of Manchester one week prior. “We Hong Kongers gathered here to object this cruel and barbarian supervision of (China),” says protester Cheung Wang. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping secured a third term as China’s leader on Sunday, state media reported, after a week-long congress in which he cemented his control over the ruling Communist Party.
Bogor (Indonesia) (AFP) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo hosts welcoming ceremony for visiting Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh at the Presidential Palace in West Java.
Mexico City (AFP) – Hot air balloons are assembled and inflated in the Zocalo of Mexico City, where thousands of citizens watch as the balloons are inflated and lit up to the beat of music.
Beijing (AFP) – Xi Jinping secures a historic third term as China’s leader after the party’s Central Committee elected Xi as its general secretary for another five years. “I wish to thank the whole party sincerely for the trust you have placed in us,” Xi tells journalists at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People after the closed-door, rubber-stamp vote was announced.
Rovaniemi (Finland) (AFP) – Mezmerizing northern lights were seen around the Arctic Circle in Finland on the evening of 22 October 2022. At one point, red auroras are also visible. According to locals, seeing such red auroras with a naked eye is extremely rare, as usually the auroras appear in other ranges of colours.
